Many people have asked me, “What’s it like being in a coma?”

I have zero memory of my experience in this state, but the following article is very informative. Read it for a better understanding: “Facts About the Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States After Severe Brain Injury”

I learned two things:

1. The state of complete unconsciousness with no eye opening is called coma (I was in this state for about one month).

2. The state of complete unconsciousness with some eye opening and periods of wakefulness and sleep is called the vegetative state (I was in this state for another few weeks? Not sure exactly but something like that).

Twenty to 40% of persons with injuries this severe do not survive. Wow, statistics like this one really hit me hard, as it’s a reminder of how lucky I am (gulp!).